Content reviewed by Dr. Nathan Davis, DDS, orthodontist at Nathan Davis Orthodontics in Chandler, AZ.
Here is the short version. To choose a provider for fixed braces, pick a licensed orthodontic specialist, check their training and reviews, meet them in person, and compare the full cost in writing before you sign anything. That is the whole plan. This guide walks you through each step so you can feel sure about who straightens your smile, whether you want metal braces or clear braces in Chandler, AZ.
Key takeaways
- An orthodontist trains 2 to 3 extra years after dental school just to move teeth, so specialty training is the first thing to confirm.
- Fixed braces stay on your teeth full time for 1 to 3 years, so you want a provider you trust and can reach easily.
- Check training, board status, reviews, and technology before you book anything.
- A consultation tells you more than any website, and comparing 2 or 3 offices costs only your time.
- Compare the total treatment cost, not just the monthly payment, and ask what the quote includes.
- Ready to meet an orthodontist? Request a consultation or call the Chandler office at (480) 386-1735.
What are fixed braces?
Fixed braces are brackets and wires bonded to your teeth. You cannot take them out. A thin archwire runs through the brackets and gently guides your teeth into place over time. They come in metal or clear ceramic styles. Clear braces work the same way, but the brackets are tooth colored, so they are far harder to see from a few feet away.
Because fixed braces stay on for 1 to 3 years, your provider matters a great deal. You will typically visit the office every 6 to 10 weeks for adjustments. The American Association of Orthodontists explains that orthodontists complete 2 to 3 years of extra training after dental school, focused only on moving teeth and aligning jaws. That extra training is the single most important thing to look for.
How do you choose a provider for fixed braces? (7 steps)
Follow these steps in order. Most families can finish the first four in a single afternoon of research, then book consultations for the rest.
- Confirm they are an orthodontic specialist. Any general dentist can offer braces. Only an orthodontist has completed a residency in tooth movement. Look for the word “orthodontist” on the practice site, or search the AAO member directory.
- Check training and board status. Where did they study, and how long have they practiced? Ask whether the doctor is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary credential that goes beyond the basic license. For example, Dr. Nathan Davis earned his DDS at the University of the Pacific and completed his orthodontic residency at Tufts University.
- Read recent reviews for patterns. Look for repeated themes, not one off complaints. Do patients mention a kind, patient staff? Clear communication? Solid results? Consistency across dozens of reviews tells you more than any single star rating.
- Ask what braces options they offer. A strong provider offers more than one type, such as metal, clear, and aligners, so the plan fits you rather than the other way around. See the full list of braces options at Davis Smiles.
- Book a consultation and visit the office. Meet the doctor. Tour the space. Is it clean? Is the team friendly? Do they explain treatment in plain words instead of jargon?
- Compare the full cost in writing. Ask exactly what the quote covers: adjustments, broken bracket repairs, and retainers after treatment ends. A low monthly figure can hide extra fees.
- Trust how the office makes you feel. You will see this team for years. Pick the practice where you feel genuinely heard and never rushed.
What should you compare at each consultation?
Bring this table with you. It makes comparing 2 or 3 offices simple, because you are scoring the same things at each stop.
What to check | Green flag | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
Credentials | Orthodontic residency completed, board certified | General “braces provider” with no specialty training |
Reviews | Steady praise for staff and results | Repeated complaints about the same issue |
Options | Metal, clear braces, and aligners all offered | One option pushed on every patient |
Technology | Digital scans, systems like SureSmile or Damon | Old style impressions only, no updates in years |
Cost | Written quote covering retainers and repairs | Vague pricing or pressure to sign the same day |
Communication | Every question answered patiently | Rushed visit, confusing answers |
What does fixed braces treatment usually cost and how long does it take?
Most fixed braces cases run 12 to 36 months, depending on how far your teeth need to move and how well you keep your adjustment visits. The Cleveland Clinic notes that braces need regular monitoring and periodic adjustments to work as planned, which is why the length of the relationship, not just the price tag, should shape your choice.
On cost, ceramic clear braces usually land slightly above metal braces, according to Healthline’s braces cost breakdown. The exact number depends on your case complexity, your treatment length, and your insurance. A good provider sets a firm figure at your consultation rather than quoting a vague range over the phone.
What about clear braces in Chandler, AZ?
If you want straighter teeth without a mouth full of metal, clear braces are a strong choice. The ceramic brackets blend in with your natural teeth, so many teens and adults prefer them for work and social settings.
Choosing a provider for clear braces follows the same 7 steps above. One extra question to ask: how does the office keep clear brackets and ties from staining, and which foods should you limit? A provider who answers that clearly has fitted plenty of ceramic cases.
For clear braces in Chandler, AZ, Davis Smiles has an office on North Dobson Road. Dr. Davis also offers clear aligners if you would rather have a removable option. At your consultation, he explains which choice fits your bite, your budget, and your daily routine. You can browse every option first on the treatments overview.
Why does the right provider matter so much?
Braces are not a product you buy once and forget. They are a 1 to 3 year relationship that needs steady, skilled monitoring. The ADA points out that orthodontic treatment relies on regular adjustment to move teeth safely and hold the result. A rushed or poorly planned case can mean longer treatment, sore teeth, or results that drift back afterward.
That is why long standing local practices earn so much repeat trust. Dr. Nathan Davis is a second generation orthodontist. His father practiced orthodontics too, and the family tradition spans about 50 years. Patients across Mesa and Chandler often mention the personal attention he gives each case and how well the team puts nervous kids at ease.
The practice runs three offices in the East Valley:
- Chandler: 595 N. Dobson Rd., Ste. A-12, Chandler, AZ 85224. New patients call (480) 386-1735.
- Mesa: 2500 S. Power Rd., Ste. 128, Mesa, AZ 85209. New patients call (480) 542-5903.
- Buckeye: 944 S. Watson Rd. #106, Buckeye, AZ 85326. New patients call (520) 467-7333.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an orthodontist better than a dentist for braces?
For braces, yes. Orthodontists complete 2 to 3 extra years of residency focused only on tooth and jaw movement. General dentists are great for cleanings and fillings, but moving teeth is a distinct specialty.
What does board certified mean for an orthodontist?
It means the doctor voluntarily met the higher standards of the American Board of Orthodontics, on top of the basic state license. It is a useful trust signal when you compare providers.
How many orthodontists should I consult before choosing?
Two or three is plenty. Most offices, including Davis Smiles, offer consultations, so comparing options costs you nothing but time.
Are clear braces as good as metal braces?
For most cases, yes. They move teeth the same way. Clear brackets can be slightly more delicate and may cost a little more, so ask your orthodontist which fits your case.
How long do fixed braces take?
Most people wear braces for 12 to 36 months. Your case length depends on how far your teeth need to move and how consistent you are with visits.
How often will I visit the orthodontist during treatment?
Usually every 6 to 10 weeks for an adjustment. These visits let the doctor tighten wires, swap ties, and confirm your teeth are tracking to plan.
Can I switch providers after braces go on?
You can, but it often adds cost and time, and your new provider inherits a plan they did not design. That is exactly why choosing carefully at the start matters.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist in Chandler?
No. You can book directly with an orthodontist. No referral from a general dentist is required.
What should I bring to a braces consultation?
Bring any recent dental X-rays if you have them, a list of questions about cost and timeline, and your insurance details so the team can check your coverage.
Does the provider I choose affect my final result?
Yes. Skilled planning, the right appliance for your bite, and steady monitoring all shape how well and how quickly your teeth move, and how stable the result stays afterward.
Ready to meet your braces provider?
The best way to choose is to sit down with an orthodontist and ask your questions face to face. Dr. Nathan Davis and his team make that easy, with offices in Chandler, Mesa, and Buckeye and a virtual consultation option you can start from home.
Call the Chandler office at (480) 386-1735 for new patients, or request a consultation online. Your best smile starts with one good choice.